Ugly duckling trophy starting to look a bit more swan like.

£100,000 earned so far from a competition many do not want doesn’t sound too bad to me and I’ve got to say has produced some good entertainment at Sincil Bank. Danny Cowley upped the ante last night making a direct plea to Imps fans to support the team in the remaining fixtures. We shall see what effect that has.

Having alluded to the supposed boycott this tournament is traditionally poorly supported at least in the early stages but I don’t think City fans can be accused of apathy, frequently producing gates far bigger than others reflecting the general upsurge in interest for all things red and white at the moment.

Talking of which Radio Lincolnshire last night partially replayed an interview with Clive Nates which I hadn’t heard before and it made interesting listening detailing as it did the boards determination to improve the clubs profile whilst thing are on the up by which I mean not just the continued tenure of the Cowleys at the club, important though that is, but the huge local interest in seeing the team. This is underlined in no small measure by another sell out game this weekend when the blockbuster local derby with Notts County takes place. Nates gave an insight into the way the club is run particularly when recruits are sought. They're certainly all putting in the sort of hours that would sap the energy of us lesser mortals and it was great to hear the efforts the club is making to haul City up a few more notches in the football firmament.

We are of course feeling a little tender over the transfer window situation with, so far, only Danny Rowe to show for the managements no doubt considerable efforts but last night showed whilst the squad may be depleted City can still compete and let’s not forget it was against a league one club so no need to get too worked up about that.

Be nice to have a bit of good news though.